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N+1 and reducing the N figure

by Shades
Wed, Aug 18, 2021 14:31
4

I do enjoy indulging in a bit of N+1 dreaming but have to be realistic as to how many bikes does one really need; there's only so much riding that can be done.  Most of my bikes have had significant upgrades over time; hand-built wheels (not cheap), better drivetrain, brakes, saddles, seat post, tyres etc.  Often it's ridding the off-the-shelf bike of the cheap components it comes with and I'm of the opinion now that, whilst costing more, building a new bike up with selected components is the way to go.  The problem is that a lot of those components are probably sitting on the old bike.  I'm assuming that decent components on an older frame isn't going to get you a better 2nd hand price?  Transferring components over and you end up with a cannibalised bike (sell/give-away for components?...bit hard on a bike that still a good ride), albeit you have a new steed and perhaps more funds to spend on certain new components that were needed.  Or just get price 2nd hand, buy an off-the-shelf bike and start the upgrading process again?  What do other people do?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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4 comments

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David9694 | 3 years ago
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if you've got a frame you like, then upgrading any manufacturer installed components that impair the ride makes sense - if you can get hold of them in a sensible time or price. You optimise it for the type of riding you mostly do, e.g. the terrain, weather, leisure/commute. You also learn what consistently makes a difference to your ride, and what doesn't.  
The old stuff may go on your utility bike, or one that you give to charity. 
best to try to stick with a common "speed" - most of mine are 10s - so things are inter- changeable. 
I love building bikes from old frames and components.  I'm getting quite good with a rattle-can. In the pandemic and when it's wet dark and cold, a bit of elbow grease on old paint keeps you off the sofa and occupied. 
Mostly ebay for old 531 frames around £100, the occasional complete bike, usually new components (via Ebay) or stealing from my other bikes. Hope2cycle are my local-ish outlet for my creations. It's nice to think someone may be getting a full 531 frame, the sort I never had as a yoof. 
Know what you mean re:frankenbike - trying to stick with silver, or black or ultegra grey, mixing and matching 1" and 11/8" forks and stems for example. 
 

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kil0ran | 3 years ago
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I tried to buy high quality components which were future-proof to a certain extent, but the problem is that tastes and technologies change. I wonder how many sets of QR carbon rim brake clinchers are hanging up in garages and sheds. Fur me it was a bit like the high end camera game - spend money on lenses rather than the camera body. I do a lot of component swapping between frames and generally it works well. Easily convertible wheels are probably the biggest and most worthwhile investment. In terms of resale value for high end grants it might not matter, because buyers will just stick what they prefer on it

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Organon | 3 years ago
3 likes

N=2

I. Supermegahyper road bike, as light and as fast as you can afford. Woosh.

2. CX nobbly tyres, great for a bit of shopping, or weekend offroad shenanigans. Will get you to work in a hurricane. 

Two; so when one is broken you still have a trusty stead. Two is the minimum.

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Secret_squirrel replied to Organon | 3 years ago
1 like

I'm down to 2 now after a decade of Retrobike madness where I had 9 or 10 on the go ranging from full bikes to frame and drawers full of parts. 
 

Seriously contemplating 1 as I currently have a 4yr old carbon summer pocket rocket, but am currently riding my higher end winter/gravel jobbie with a set of aero wheels....  Not quite made it yet though.....and it is my 50th soon....

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